Shaw Governors

Chair - paul Berry (Local Governor)

Having moved into the area in the past few years I decided to become a Governor in 2015. My wife and most of her family attended the school when they were children. As such, I feel a strong connection to both the school and the community.

I work for a large multi-national IT company and I specifically focus on schools. My days are spent talking to school leaders, teachers and students, getting to know their daily challenges and coming up with a way that IT can help. Having some education context certainly comes in usual in my role as School Governor!

I also sit on the data group and resources committee. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching a variety of sports and getting as involved in school life as I can.

Rev Shona Hoad (Foundation Governor)

I moved to Shaw in 2014 when I took up my appointment here as Vicar of Christ Church, Shaw and Whitley. I have previously served as governor at an outstanding primary school in Surrey and have four older children who all attended our then local primary school. I firmly believe that every child should be given the opportunity to grow and develop in a loving and forgiving environment where all have the potential to reach for the very best so it is very exciting to be part of the Shaw school community which offers just that to children.

In my role as Vicar I am also privileged to come in on a regular basis for Collective Worship as well as being with the whole school in church for special services.

Clive Briggs (Local Governor) (Safeguarding Governor)

I was appointed a governor at the end of the 2015 summer term and have recently taken on the role of Child Protection Governor. I am married to Dianne and we have lived in Shaw since 1980, our two sons attending Shaw School between 1980 and 1990. Since retiring I have been active in several village organisations including CONNECT magazine, Shaw Village Hall, the Friendship Club and Christ Church.

I am a member of Lincolns Inn bar, and before retiring worked for a number of organisations specialising in Insurance and Employee Benefits law.

Paul Millard (parent Governor)

I have lived in Melksham most of my life and became a parent governor in December 2015. I am married and have three sons, two of whom attend Shaw Primary School - and love it.

I work for a nationwide company and am responsible for software development and service delivery into the public and private sector. My job requires me to manage financial matters closely which is a useful skill to have being a member of the Resources Committee.

In my spare time I enjoy family life, whether it be watching my boys playing sports for local clubs, helping them with learning activities or spending time with my wife enjoying movies. I am very proud to have an active role in helping our school continue to thrive and develop exceptional children.

Lucy Constantine (Local Governor)

I have been a governor since January 2014. I also sit on the Resources Comitee.

My professional background is in education – as a secondary English teacher, specialist teacher, teacher in charge of a Special Needs team and as an educational psychologist. I retired in 2010 but still work very part-time for Swindon Council.

My family moved to Whitley in 1993. My younger daughter was then still young enough to attend Shaw School for a little more than a year. I now have four grandchildren with a fifth due soon. My interests are reading, travelling, cycling, running and walking and spending time with my growing young family.

Russell Evans (Local Governor)

I have lived within Shaw and Whitley for the past 25 years with my family. My wife Susan, is currently Churchwarden for Christ Church Shaw and my three children all of whom attended Shaw school, live close by. I consider myself to be an embedded and active participant within the community.

Professionally, I retired from the Metropolitan Police Service in 2009 having enjoyed a 32 year career. A career detective I retired holding the rank of Detective Superintendent. My roles within the police service involved me working on the Anti Terrorist Branch, The Anti Corruption Branch, Homicide, International & Organised Crime and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

In retirement I also work for the charity Samaritans as well as perusing hobbies involving Golf, Bowls, woodworking and travel.

Jo Bishop (Local Governor)

I am the Manager at Shaw and Whitley Pre School. I have worked at the setting for over 16 years. I love having the opportunity to help children to develop their confidence and independence before they leave to go to school. I am also the SENCO in the setting.

I am married and have three children ranging from 14 to 19 years. I have lived in Bath for 3 years and previously lived in Whitley for 14 years.

In my spare time I enjoy watching rugby and cricket. I am a welfare officer at Corsham Cricket Club. I also enjoy listening to music, watching films and taking my dogs out for walks.

Gary Bennett (Parent Governor)

Having moved to Melksham in 2010 with my wife, our eldest daughter has attended Shaw School since 2012.

I have a firm belief that all children deserve the best start in life through school and parental support and that Shaw School provides the right educational setting and opportunities for our daughter and other children.

My day job is as an Information Assurance Consultant with a FTSE 250 company with a very keen eye to data protection matters and involves understanding new situations and regularly meeting new challenges.

In our spare time, we enjoy weekend breaks as a family and getting time for me to do the obligatory DIY jobs.

Simon White (Headteacher)

I am now in my 28th year of teaching, 19 of them as Headteacher. I have worked in 8 schools, across 4 Local Authorities and have taught all yeargroups, but have specialised in KS1 for most of my career. I count myself extremely fortunate in having been appointed to the Headship at Shaw, which is my 5th headship and is turning out to be my favourite! Shaw has given me the opportunity to really embed the things which I feel are vital in an excellent Primary education. Children should truly be at the heart of the school. They should be loved and cared for and supported to constantly improve on their personal best. A great education educates the whole person and our focus on spiritual, moral and social learning helps to make Shaw School the special place which it undoubtably is.

Out of school, my wonderful family keeps me busy. My wife is also a teacher. My eldest son is studying for a Masters in Physics at Kings College London and my youngest is in his second year of an English and Drama degree at Cardiff Met.. When time and money allows, I love to travel and have a long "bucket-list" of places I want to visit!

Kathryn Clark (Staff Governor)

I have been teaching at Shaw for 15 years now. I currently teach in Year 1. I am also Inclusion Manager and RE Co-ordinator. I have 3 boys, 2 of which are now at Secondary School but used to attend Shaw and the youngest is still at Shaw.

I have been staff governor for 2 years now and enjoy the opportunity to be part of this team of parents, staff and the community who have the school at the heart of their discussions.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, holidays and chocolate!

John Carter (Clerk to Governors)

I am retired having worked most of my career in Local Government (although I do still occasionally work as and when required). I was appointed Clerk to the Governors since November 2007 and as well as being Clerk I do enjoy reading with the children in School and accompanying them on School trips.